Wilderness huts and campsites in Bay of Plenty

This collection spans the Bay of Plenty’s diverse landscapes, from coastal holiday parks at Mount Maunganui and Ohope Beach to the deep wilderness of Whirinaki Te Chauua Conservation Park. Accommodations include full-service resorts with mineral hot springs at Athenree and Sapphire Springs alongside basic Department of Conservation campsites like Brett Road. For backcountry explorers, remote huts such as Moerangi and Mangamate provide essential shelter with wood heaters and pit toilets along the region’s extensive forest track networks.

Wilderness Huts & Campsites — Map

A

Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park

Located at the base of Mauao, offering direct access to both ocean surf and harbor beaches. Includes powered sites and a sanitary dump station.

B

Pikowai Campground

A coastal camping area situated along State Highway 2 between Te Puke and Whakatāne, suitable for tents and caravans.

C

Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Beachfront holiday park providing access to Ohope’s coastline. Includes standard camping sites and proximity to local surf breaks.

D

Lake Aniwhenua Campground

A free camping area on the shores of Lake Aniwhenua, frequently used by trout fishers and those visiting the Galatea region.

E

Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

Situated at the northern end of Waihi Beach, this park features proximity to the Orokawa Scenic Reserve walking tracks.

F

Athenree Hot Springs and Holiday Park

Features on-site natural mineral hot pools and is located near the northern end of the Tauranga Harbour.

G

TECT Freedom Camping

A designated freedom camping zone within TECT Park, located between Tauranga and Rotorua.

H

Ohiwa Family Holiday Park

Overlooks the Ohiwa Harbour and the Pacific Ocean, offering access to glow worm walks and water-based activities.

I

Rerewhakaaitu, Brett Road Campsite

A DOC-managed campsite on the shores of Lake Rerewhakaaitu, featuring a shelter and latrine facilities in a volcanic landscape.

J

Okahu Road campsite

A free campsite located at the entrance to Whirinaki Te Chauua Conservation Park, providing a base for forest hiking.

K

Sapphire Springs RV / Camping

Set within native bush near Katikati, this site features warm mineral pools and access to local stream walks.

L

Te Kaha Holiday Park and Motel

Coastal accommodation on the East Cape’s State Highway 35, providing access to fishing and diving spots.

M

Pukehina Motor Camp

Located on a narrow sandspit, offering camping between the Pukehina estuary and the open ocean.

N

Upper Whirinaki Hut

A standard nine-bunk backcountry hut in Whirinaki Te Chauua Conservation Park, equipped with a wood heater and pit toilets.

O

Mangamate Hut

A nine-bunk DOC hut located on the Mangamate Stream within the Whirinaki forest, featuring a fireplace and basic latrine.

P

Moerangi Hut

A standard nine-bunk hut situated on the Moerangi Track, providing shelter for mountain bikers and hikers in the Whirinaki backcountry.

Other Lists

Bay of Plenty Region Essentials Scenic Viewpoints & Peaks Scenic Waterfalls Parks and Nature Reserves Public Facilities & Shelters